"Beat the Midsummer Heat"... Convenience Store Craft Beer War

CU, Craft Beer Sales Up 170%
New Product Launches and Discount Events

A customer is purchasing craft beer at the convenience store GS25.

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Chun-han] As the peak beer season of summer begins in earnest, convenience stores are waging a craft beer war. Each company is launching new products and holding discount events to attract consumers.

According to CU on the 5th, total beer sales last month increased by 14.5% compared to the previous year. During the same period, GS25 saw a 15.7% increase, Seven Eleven 15%, and Emart24 17%. In particular, the growth rate of craft beer sales was remarkable. At CU, craft beer sales last month increased by 170.4% compared to the same period last year. GS25 saw a 27.3% increase, Seven Eleven 20%, and Emart24 268% growth.

A total of 52 new craft beers were released this year by the four convenience store chains. CU introduced 15 types from the beginning of the year, including Ttasangju White Ale, Mash Lager Can, and Wiggle Wiggle Lemon Ale. GS25 launched 12 types such as Heogat Saengpoktan Beer Can, Yogiyo Can, and MaekBIT Can, and plans to release more than 20 types of craft beer this year. Seven Eleven released 20 types including Ddung-rang-i Beer, and Emart24 introduced 5 types including Sotsot Lager. Last year, a total of 71 types of craft beer were released. The reason convenience stores are focusing on launching new products like this is because craft beer sales surged after the past shortage craze caused by Gom-pyo Wheat Beer.

Convenience stores are holding beer and snack promotions this month targeting summer demand. CU operates Beer Day every Friday to Sunday, selling 5 cans for 10,000 won, and sells certain popular craft beers at 6 cans for 9,900 won. GS25 offers 8 types of beer bundles on Fridays and Saturdays priced between 8,000 won and 12,000 won, and you can purchase 6 cans of 5 types of craft beer for 9,900 won. Seven Eleven sells 8 types of beer bundle products at a 30% discount from Friday to Sunday, and Emart24 offers 4 cans for 11,000 won with a 1,000 won discount when paying with KB Pay. Each convenience store also runs “1+1” and “2+1” bonus promotions on refrigerated snacks that pair well with beer.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.